Why temps will rise nearly 20° by Tuesday
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A potentially historic heatwave is becoming more likely in the coming few days. All-time May record high temperatures are forecast to be broken for several cities in Central Texas.
LATEST FORECAST: From the First Warning Weather team
Widespread Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Warnings are expected to be issued as early as Tuesday.
Refresher: Heat Alert Criteria
BLOG: Here’s why ‘Excessive Heat Warnings’ are going away
Heat Advisories are issued when air temperatures are forecast to reach 103º or higher, or when heat index values are expected to reach 108º or higher.
Extreme Heat Warnings are issued when air temperatures are forecast to reach 105º or higher, or when heat index values are expected to reach 113º or higher.
What will cause the rapid change of temperature in a short amount of time?
A strong high pressure ridge will remain stationary over Texas, keeping temperatures 10-20° warmer than normal. A high-pressure ridge is characterized by sinking air, which suppresses convection and cloud formation. Drier air is easier to heat up, with minimal rain chances during the workweek.
Think about it like this – the ridge “traps” warm temperatures for an extended period of time.
Computer model data continues to support efficient surface heating due to less available moisture to absorb heat, warmer air aloft mixing to the surface, which will increase surface temperatures, and limited cloud cover.
Stay weather aware and remember to practice heat safety wherever you are. Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks, check up on the sick and elderly (especially those without AC), and never leave children or pets unattended.
